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Natural history of dental caries in very young Australian children
Author(s) -
Gussy Mark,
Ashbolt Rosie,
Carpenter Lauren,
VirgoMilton Monica,
Calache Hanny,
Dashper Stuart,
Leong Pamela,
Silva Andrea,
Livera Alysha,
Simpson Julie,
Waters Elizabeth
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
international journal of paediatric dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.183
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1365-263X
pISSN - 0960-7439
DOI - 10.1111/ipd.12169
Subject(s) - medicine , confidence interval , natural history , lesion , cohort study , cohort , dentistry , pediatrics , demography , surgery , sociology
Background Whilst the global burden of caries is increasing, the trajectory of decay in young children and the point at which prevention should occur has not been well established. Aim To identify the ‘natural history’ of dental caries in early childhood. Design A birth cohort study was established with 467 mother/child dyads followed at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 36 months of age. Parent‐completed surveys captured demographic, social, and behavioural data, and oral examinations provided clinical and data. Results Eight per cent of children (95% confidence interval (CI): 5–12%) at 18 months and 23% (95% CI: 18–28%) at 36 months experienced decay. Interesting lesion behaviour was found between 18 and 36 months, with rapid development of new lesions on sound teeth (70% of teeth, 95% CI: 63–76%) and regression of many lesions from non‐cavitated lesions to sound (23% of teeth, 95% CI: 17–30%). Significant associations were found between soft drink consumption and lesion progression. Conclusions Findings suggest optimal time periods for screening and prevention of a disease which significantly impacts multiple health and well‐being outcomes across the life course.